Melissa Rivers Confirms Mother Joan Rivers Is On Life Suppport

Legendary comedienne Joan Rivers “remains on life support,” her daughter said on Tuesday.

“On behalf of my mother and our family, we are extremely grateful for all the love and support we’ve received. At this time she does remain on life support,I know my mother would be overwhelmed by the continued outpouring of kindness and I want to thank everyone for keeping us in their prayers.”-the statement from Melissa Rivers read.

Rivers, 81, was undergoing a procedure on her vocal cords Thursday morning at a clinic when she stopped breathing and was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital. Melissa Rivers and her 13-year-old son, Cooper, immediately flew from Los Angeles to New York City to be with her.

Surgery on older people can be riskier than other generations. Her current state does increase conversation abut seniors and surgery. Numerous studies have documented that most elderly people prefer better quality of life over prolonged length of life. They’d rather have a few good years than have more years. It is vital to engage older patients and their family and/or caregivers in a discussion on ways surgery might affect their day-to-day life. Sometimes a smaller operation may have 95 percent of the results of a bigger operation with less risk for affecting quality of life. It is important to follow the “Goldilocks” or “just right” philosophy of treatment — not too much, not too little.I mproved medical technology and techniques, combined with a rapidly aging population, mean there’s more need — and more opportunity — for senior surgeries A specialized battery of pre-operative testing including, cognition, frailty, functional status and nutrition helps us make a more informed treatment decision for each older patient we serve.